Cold Open – Chandler’s Apartment, Early Morning
Chandler watches from the kitchen as Ronnie stands by the door in a school hoodie. Backpack on. Short hair tucked behind her ears. She breathes slowly, clutching the strap of her bag.
"You sure you’re ready?"her brother asks her
(not looking back)
"Nope. But I’m going anyway." She told him
"That’s... kind of the definition of bravery." He said looking proud of her
(half smile)
"Don’t go soft on me, Bing." She told him
She opens the door. And steps out.
(Cue theme song.)
---
School Hallway
Ronnie walks through the hallway. She hears whispers — not as cruel as before, but still there. But this time, she doesn’t shrink. She walks forward.
(softly)
"Is that her?" Some kids ask
"She looks different…" another one said
Then — Jake. Leaning against the lockers, waiting. He stands straight when he sees her.
"Hey. You're here." He told her
"So are you." She said back at him
Pause. She softens slightly.
"You waited?" She asked him softly
"Every day."
---
Central Perk (Parallel Plot)
Rachel vents to Monica after seeing Ross with Julie. Chandler and Joey are caught in a gym contract trap.
(to Ronnie later)
"If the gym people won’t let Chandler out of his contract, you should go down there. One look and you’d scare them into spiritual freedom."Phoebe said
(dry)
"Tempting. But I’m using my intimidation for high school bureaucracy this week." She said
---
School Art Room (Later)
Ronnie sits at a table during free period. Jake walks in and drops a sketchpad next to her. It’s a drawing of the old version of her — long hair, hoodie up.
"I drew this last semester. When I didn’t know where you went." He told her
(quietly)
"She’s not me anymore." She said
"I know. That’s why I wanted you to draw the next one." He told her
He slides over a blank page.
---
Chandler and Monica’s Apartment
Ronnie walks in after school. Monica offers cookies like she’s trying to bribe a ghost.
"So? How was it?" Monica asked her
"I didn’t run away. I spoke in class. I drew something. And Jake said he missed me without using the word missed." She told them
"That’s practically a marriage proposal in teen-speak." Chandler said
"I think we’re… reconnecting. Slowly." She told thy
---
Central Perk, Evening
Phoebe sings something weird and heartfelt in the background. Ronnie and Jake sit on the couch, sketchbooks between them.
"You know, the way you’re drawing now… it looks like you’re seeing again. Like light." He told her
"I feel it, sometimes. Not all the time. But enough." She said
"That’s all I need." He told her
They don’t hold hands. But they lean in, and it’s warm.
---
School Hallway (Next Morning)
Ronnie walks past the same students as before. She hears whispers. She doesn’t flinch. This time, someone new nods at her. A quiet sign of respect.
Ronnie walks to her locker, opens it, and pulls out her sketchbook. There’s a new page inside. A drawing of her and Jake — not as they were, but as they are now.
YOU ARE READING
After The Silence
Fanfiction(season 1-10) --- Ronnie Bing was never supposed to be noticed. But after a breakdown, an overdose, and a silent goodbye, she's learning what it means to stay alive. This is her story - the quiet kind of survival. Mature contact s6-7-8-9-10
